Graflex.org Forum Index Graflex.org
Get help with your Graflex questions here
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Out of focus photos?

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Graflex.org Forum Index -> Speed Graphic Help
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
DenaDesign



Joined: 24 Feb 2026
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2026 5:11 pm    Post subject: Out of focus photos? Reply with quote

I have recently been taking photos with my Graflex Pacemaker 4x5 Speed Graphic, and it seems to me that all the photos are out of focus after I develop. I focus on the ground glass, and I am very sure that it was in focus, but it ends up appearing unfocused. Here are some photos: https://1drv.ms/i/c/8ad0ddf839916e6d/IQBMHGBQfz2pQrv7iXE63kOyAQL2oaLd1dgANGhEwQ7iGsA?e=cohF04 For this one, I was pretty sure I was focusing on the tiled wall, but apparently not. I took this photo because a previous photo of the same thing had the same problem, and I thought I simply wasn't focusing correctly. https://1drv.ms/i/c/8ad0ddf839916e6d/IQCxrQnFQ0z5QY-zNUfxi2GzARbtjM4gzIK4TCRVa9NT6YI?e=Ukuujv In this image, I was focusing on the globe. And as you can see, it is NOT in focus.
I could just be focusing incorrectly, but I'm thinking maybe it's something with the ground glass? Maybe it doesn't show what exactly the film is at or something like that? Please help me with this and I would appreciate it.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
DenaDesign



Joined: 24 Feb 2026
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2026 6:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I opened up the camera and here is what I found: https://1drv.ms/i/c/8ad0ddf839916e6d/IQA9m-B43PL2Q5p7YzJJt76wAcTuvtyJeFefVjfKQs9fQeo?e=GNjtS7
Sorry for the crude illustration. This is the current placement and orientation of the ground glass and a fresnel inside when I bought the camera. Whether this is the correct placement, I don't know, and please note in real life the two pieces of glass are directly touching each other. Can someone tell me if this is correct?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Henry



Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 1655
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2026 7:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The frosted side of the GG should face the lens, and the fresnel “ bumps” should face the frosted side. Looks like your GG and your fresnel should be turned around. Directly touching is Ok.

Last edited by Henry on Thu Feb 26, 2026 11:10 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
DenaDesign



Joined: 24 Feb 2026
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2026 8:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Awesome! This should fix my focus issue?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Henry



Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 1655
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2026 8:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If the GG frosted side lies precisely in the film plane, you should be OK.

You are using a loupe to focus, aren’t you?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
DenaDesign



Joined: 24 Feb 2026
Posts: 6

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2026 8:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nope! I am not. Should I? I find it easy enough to focus without one.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Henry



Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 1655
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2026 10:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For optimum results, loupe focussing is essential.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Graflex.org Forum Index -> Speed Graphic Help All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group